DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 1, 2024
Meditation Outline
Read the scripture and
meditate on the verse using these questions:
T - (Thanks) What in these
verses makes me thankful?
R - (Regret) What do these
verses reveal that show my need to confess my sin?
I - (Intercession) What do I
need to ask God for in prayer for others and myself?
P - (Purpose/Plan) What
action or purpose do these verses encourage me to take?
(Note) E-mail devotions
will not repeat this mediation outline. If you use it, please save it.)
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 111:1 — Praise the
Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the
upright, in the congregation.
Philippians 2:2 — Paul
wrote: Make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being
in full accord and of one mind.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
As a U.S. Marshal, it was my
duty to arrest the most notorious bank robber and murderer this side of the
Elkhorn River. Once I located his hide-out, I spent a lot of time crawling on
my belly through the thick weeds to avoid being detected. As a result, I caught
him totally by surprise. He had given up on me finding him and was playing with
some marbles in the dust, his weapons too far away to reach. I leaped out of
the weeds, bazooka loaded (So cowboys don’t have bazooka - I did!), and yelled,
“Make one move, and I’ll blow you to smithereens!!!” It wasn’t as cool
as Clint Eastwood’s “Make my day!” but it was just as effective. The
Psalmist and St. Paul weren’t thinking about “blowing people to smithereens”;
they wanted the opposite. They were praying that God’s blessings would be
acknowledged so that God would be glorified. Paul is echoing “Dirty Harry’s”
words with a positive slant. “People of Philippi, make my joy complete (make
my day!).” How easy it is to please the Lord - to make
the Lord’s day. All God asks is that we thank and praise, serve, and obey
him. God doesn’t want us to be blown to smithereens. God wants us to live
in harmony with Himself and with others. Now, is that so hard? Are you ready to
make God’s day?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I
dedicate this day and each of the days of my life to you. Be my guide and be
with me so you and I may be of one mind with you. I ask that you use me so I
may serve you with all my body, mind, and soul. Thank you for making my day. In
the name of Jesus. Amen
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 104:4 — You make the
winds your messengers, fire and flame your ministers.
John 3:8 — The wind blows
where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it
comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The wind howled and whistled,
shaking the old farmhouse. It was so fierce it caused the Venetian blinds on
the door leading to the porch to rattle. The rolled-up rug at the base of the
door did very little to keep out the cold breeze. Perhaps we should have
huddled in fear, but instead, we sat close to the oil burner, wrapped in
blankets, and listened for the songs and the stories the winds would tell. What
wonders unfolded as we allowed our imaginations to carry us with the wind, over
the prairies in covered wagons, through rocky canyons on a twister’s tail, and
skimming the desert sands on a mattress of whirling dust devils, all the way to
“Lily White’s Party” (Mom’s name for sleeping between white sheets). The Spirit
of God moves in our lives in amazing and mysterious ways. I stand in awe of what
I judged impossible, which came to be in the blink of an eye. Witnessing the
healing power of the cross is one such experience. We are blessed to see people
change from sinners to saints in a breath. We know not who, why, or when the
Spirit acts. We can only know that healing is always 100% permanent when the
Spirit heals. What area of your life would you like to invite the Spirit to
blow through and heal? All that’s needed is an invitation from you. Are you
ready?
PRAYER
Thank you, gracious Lord,
for sending your Spirit to me at my baptism. Stir your Spirit up and move me to
do your will. Let your Spirit heal me in every area that needs healing. I pray
in the name of the One who promised to send the Spirit, Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Job 4:17 — Can mortals be
righteous before God? Can human beings be pure before their Maker?
2 Timothy 1:9 — He saved
us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according
to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before
the ages began.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I judged some people in my
early life to be “better than thou.” No matter what I said or did, they would
find some way to correct me. The painful part was that they would do it in a
way that made me feel really dumb! Nothing was ever good enough. Know anybody
like that? One of my country school teachers was like that when she was having
a bad day. I also had a systematic theology professor in seminary whose
questions in class were better left unanswered because I knew that he would
tear apart anything I said. Thankfully, I don’t remember many people like that,
but I’ve noticed that I try to avoid such people even today. Thank God, God is
just the opposite. God, who knows our unrighteous nature and every
imperfection, takes every effort to wash us clean in baptism and remind us that
we are precious to Him, forgiven by Him, and made holy by what His Son did for
us on the cross. Yes, we disappoint God, anger God, fail God, and fight God.
But God still claims us as His own and calls us with a holy calling!
What a gift! So, how will you live with that gift and share it today?
PRAYER
Forgive me, Heavenly
Father, when I come off to other people as better than them. It is part of my
sinful nature to think of myself as better than I am. The only person who was
ever perfect was your Son, sent so my sin might be forgotten. Help me to
forgive others as I have been forgiven. In the name of Christ, your perfect
Son. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 4, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Hosea 14:3 — We will say
no more, “Our God,” to the work of our hands.
2 Corinthians 3:5 — Not
that we are competent of ourselves to claim anything as coming from us; our
competence is from God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My sister, brothers, and I
built a magnificent tree house. “Magnificent” may be too strong a word, but
beauty is in the eye of the beholder. It was a tree house. It was in a tree,
four feet off the ground. Our problem was that it was very wobbly and unsafe. We
weren’t sure it would hold more than one person at a time holding on for dear
life. We were proud of our architectural wonder. Dad, however, had that “Oh no!
Accident, waiting to happen!” look on his face when he saw it. He was busy cultivating
corn then but took the time to “add a few nails (and boards)” before going to
the field after lunch. When he finished, all five of us felt safe and secure
(but extremely crowded in our tree house. Isn’t it amazing how childlike most
of us are in building our earthly kingdoms, thinking of how “magnificent” they
are, these corporations, these financial empires, these man-made castles,
machines, and achievements? But in reality, they will all crumble and fall. In
the face of Christ, the “Solid Rock,” they are incredibly unsafe. The only One
who can build an eternal Kingdom is God, who accepted the nails of the cross in
His own Hands to ensure our safety, security, and home in heaven. What “gods”
are you willing to give up for God?
PRAYER
O God, you are my rock in
whom I put my trust. Let nothing get in the way of putting my trust exclusively
in you and your promises. Thank you for building my life and the sure
foundation I have to build on. I give up every other God in my life besides
you, the true and holy one. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 5, 2024
SCRIPTURE
2 Samuel 22:2 — The Lord
is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.
Mark 3:27 — But no one can
enter a strong man’s house.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
There was a space between the
hog shed and one of the cattle sheds, which I built into a fortress. It was my
castle, my stronghold, and my quiet place. I used the largest nails and the
best scrap lumber I could find. In my imagination, King Kong couldn’t conquer
it! The combined Nazi and Japanese armies couldn’t batter their way in. It was
the safest place on the face of the earth! However, the day my little brother
merely peeled back one of the boards and crawled through the opening, I
realized it had its limits. Many people have created illusions of castles and
fortresses against their enemies, only to have them crumble and fall like the
walls of Jericho. We can hide behind man-made walls and mental blocks, but they
are only temporary fixes, easily defeated by the Enemy. There is only one truly
safe and sound fortress - the Solid Rock of Christ. “All other ground is
sinking sand.” the hymn reminds us. Nothing in all creation can defeat the
One who conquered sin, death, and the devil! In what are you trusting the
treasure of your soul?
PRAYER
You alone are my rock and
my fortress, O Lord! When I begin to think that other things in my life are
truly my fortress - my job, my family and friends, my church - gently remind me
that it is in you that I put my trust. All of these things can crumble around
me, but you are always strong and always there. Thank you. In your name, I pray,
O Savior. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 6, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Daniel 2:22 — He reveals
deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with
him.
2 Peter 1:19 — So we have
the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to
this as to a lamp shining in a dark place until the day dawns and the morning
star rises in your hearts.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Night lights are cool! We
never had one when I was growing up. We had a yard light that shined in the
window to keep us from stumbling in the dark, but a night light has a certain
quiet quality that goes to work when the other lights go out. That little light
can chase away monsters that prefer to hide in the dark. God spoke, and the
light shined in the darkness. Light, even the tiniest light, also pushes the
darkness out, revealing toys left to attack the barefoot, the edge of the door
waiting to wrench our toe and break it if it can, water spilled on the floor
that is certain to wake up and freeze warm sleepy feet. It was the most
incredible “night light” of all! It was so bright that it shined in the
darkness, and no darkness could overcome it. This light was so brilliant Moses’
face reflected it, and he had to be covered, just from Moses being in the
shadow of it. This light came to dwell among us to bring light into our
darkness. When His lights went out on the cross, they blinked back on in the
resurrection, never to go out again in the hearts of those who believe. He is
the “Day Star” and the “Night Light for us all. Is He shining in you?
PRAYER
Come into my dark life and
dark places, O God. Help me see all the dangers in my path and keep me from
stumbling. Thank you for your light. Shine brightly in me so that others will
see you, and you will be glorified. In the name of the light of the world,
Jesus, the Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 7, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Habakkuk 2:4 — Look at the
proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their
faith.
Romans 1:17 — In the
gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Children can spot phonies a
mile away. I suppose I did it as a child, but I don’t remember doing it. I
remember that there were some people I liked and some I didn’t like, almost
from the moment I met them. I noticed it more in our children when they were
young. At times, their judgments were embarrassing. They liked most
babysitters, but one evening, we heard, “I don’t like her!” the minute the
sitter walked in the door. For better or worse, we reminded the kids not to say
what they thought so that people would hear them. Our bi-racial son could spot
a bigot before they opened their mouth. The look on his face spoke as much as
his words. On the other hand, children can also see genuine love in a
heartbeat. God must see with the eyes of a child. God has no trouble
distinguishing the proud and the arrogant from the righteous and the faithful.
Reading our hearts, God knows more than our words express. Are your words and actions
in harmony with God’s Word, will, and purpose for you? That is God’s greatest
desire. Why not make it yours?
PRAYER
I am sorry when my face differs
from what is happening inside me. Do you see love within me, dear Lord? If not,
change me so I may know your love and give that love to others. I pray this in
the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 8, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 33:17 — Your eyes
will see the king in his beauty.
Mark 15:17-18 — And they
clothed Jesus in a purple cloak; and after twisting some thorns into a crown,
they put it on him. And they began saluting him, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The day before, they told us
to wear our name tags and have our identification handy because security would
be very tight when the President of Paraguay came to speak. They knew what they
were talking about! Since I was also speaking that day, I was ushered to a particular
seat with the other speakers. Even we were searched before we could be seated. When
we met, I was amazed that the president was common and friendly. Aside from
armed bodyguards within arm’s length of him and others in noticeable places around
the room, he would not have stood out in a crowd. By the time the soldiers
began taunting Jesus, He had been arrested, dragged through the streets, and
whipped to within an inch of His life. Even with a royal purple robe, Jesus
must have appeared to be just another common criminal awaiting execution. “You
can’t judge a book by its cover.” Likewise, you can’t always judge people
by their appearance. It is what is inside that matters. I received a card I kept
on my desk, which reminded me, “Jesus in me loves you!” I think
of that when I see people who look or dress “differently.” Jesus in them
loves me, too! Amazing how accurate the mocking soldiers were in their taunting
salute – and they didn’t even know it! Is it possible that the Jesus in someone
else wants to love you, too?
PRAYER
I am sorry that I was part of the crowd that
beat you when I mistreated others. Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for neglecting to
see you in others. Thank you for loving me. Help me to show the love that is in
me to those I meet today. In your Holy Name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 14:31 — Those who
oppress the poor insult their Maker.
Mark 15:19 — The soldiers
struck his head with a reed, spat upon him, and knelt down in homage to him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I have been poor, but even in
my poverty, I was wealthy when compared with many people around the country and
the world. I never remember going without food, although I didn’t always like
what I had to eat. I never ran around in tattered rags and bare feet in the
cold of winter, although I sometimes complained that my clothes were not in
style. I never remember being sick and being turned away from a doctor for lack
of funds to pay for it, although I have often complained about the high cost of
medical treatment. Perhaps I even insult my Maker by suggesting that I was once
poor. I really don’t know “first hand” what being really poor is like. I do
know “second and third hand.” The poor I have met are also powerless to do
anything about it. For many of them, welfare is demeaning and provides only
enough to keep them vulnerable and poor. Jesus emptied Himself to become poor
for our sakes. He could have commanded legions of angel warriors to fight for
Him and prevent the soldiers from touching Him. He could have used the power of
God to strike His enemies down. Instead, Jesus accepted our punishment, our
death, and our sins so that we might receive His reward. Now, Jesus lives in
all of us, especially the poor. “Whatsoever you do to the least of my
brothers, that you do unto me,” Jesus said. How well have you been
treating the Lord in others? Do you mock Him or love Him? Would you be willing
to sacrifice one of your children (or someone you love) for the sake of evil,
sinful people? Remember, God did that for you!
PRAYER
Forgive me, Heavenly
Father, when I complain about what I lack and neglect to see all the riches you
have given me. Forgive me when I look only upon my friends and neighbors and do
not see the poor. Open my heart, and let me show my love for you by serving
those who have the greatest need. In Your Son’s name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 82:8 — Rise up, O
God, judge the earth; for all the nations belong to you!
John 3:18 — Those who
believe in the Son are not condemned.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
It is not easy to be a judge.
In high school, I participated in a series of judging contests. I was pretty
good at judging seeds. I was fair at judging soils and cattle, but I was lousy
at judging sheep, and had no business doing so. The most disgusting judging I
ever did was milk products. One taste of rancid or sour milk pretty well ended
my objectivity. Even the sample we later found to be excellent quality, I
judged to be rancid. I’ve also judged speech contests, talent shows, and lip-synch
contests. What seemed so simple as a spectator was very challenging when I was in
the “hot seat.” God, on the other hand, judges with the purest of justice,
mercy, and grace. Since God looks directly into our hearts, minds, and souls,
there is no guesswork or misguided intentions. The nations or the individual
all must answer to God’s decree. However, God is guilty of prejudice!
Shocked??? Well, it’s true! God has a vested interest - perhaps a “conflict of
interest” - in those whom He created. (Does that leave anyone out?) God wants
to save ALL of the children of God. The big test - the one great filter
separating the saved from the condemned is belief in the Son of God. Too
simple? Perhaps, but are you ready to raise your right hand and repeat after
me: I (state your name) believe that Jesus, the Christ, is my Lord
and Savior, and I will live every hour of every day as His servant and as a
member of His body, so help me God! You have passed from death to life. You
are ready for Easter!
PRAYER
I do believe that Jesus,
the Christ, is my Lord and Savior, gracious Father. Help my unbelief. Ready me
for the resurrection and the life in you by taking away all my doubts. Thank
you for life both here and with you. In the name of Jesus, my Lord, I pray.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 11, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 24:11-12 — Rescue
those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If
you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart
perceive it?
Mark 13:37 — Jesus says,
“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
As the oldest child with
sisters and brothers always nearby, I never appreciated “tattle tales.” I’m
sure I also engaged in my share of it with my younger siblings, but that was
different - wasn’t it? I soon learned painful lessons about not informing on
the “big kids” at school. The problem comes when someone is being picked on or
bullied. What do we do? Christians stood by and even participated in pushing
American Indians from their lands and onto reservations. When black people were
persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed just for the color of their skin, many
Christians turned a blind eye or participated in it. Christians stood by and
even encouraged the Nazis to persecute, imprison, and kill the Jews. The
scriptures make it clear that those who claim to be children of God have a
responsibility to help, rescue, and encourage the “least of these.” Therefore,
Jesus warns us to “Watch!” The kingdom of heaven will come at a time no one
expects. Will you be found loving or persecuting those who are different in
some way? As Jesus said, “Watch!” The Day will come without warning!
PRAYER
I’m sorry for standing and
observing the hatred and bullying that surrounds me and not doing anything
about it. Keep me alert, Lord, to my prejudices, and change my heart. Use me to
include all people as your children. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 12, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Leviticus 19:31 — Do not
turn to mediums or wizards; do not seek them out, to be defiled by them: I am
the Lord your God.
John 17:3 — And this is
eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom
you have sent.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I have met a couple of
“mediums” through the years. Each admitted that when they contact the dead,
their chances of being lied to are relatively high. It is a matter of guesswork
unless the information is confirmed by someone in the family - in which case,
talking directly to family members would seem to be a wiser and more productive
activity. There is evil out there, and it loves to be invited in. But then, so
does Jesus, who is the “way, the TRUTH, and the life. Evil may imitate life,
guess at the truth, and encourage their audience to explore the unknown. Jesus,
on the other hand, IS LIFE. Jesus IS the TRUTH. Jesus IS the WAY. We don’t need
mediums, dead relatives, or saints to direct our lives. Jesus has already
promised to be with us always. If the “spirits” supposedly raised by mediums
were truly of God, they would be in heaven worshiping God as risen and
glorified residents of the Kingdom of God, not hanging around to meddle in this
world’s affairs (even unfinished). The Bible reminds us that God created angels
as unique beings, specifically to be His messengers. (Angels are literally
“messengers.”) Those who know Jesus already have the greatest mediator they
will ever need, for only He can guarantee the WAY to the Father, the TRUTH of
your relationship with God, and LIFE with God! Why would you want to settle for
substitutes and cheap tricks when you can have the REAL Jesus?
PRAYER
I pray that I will not
become “side-tracked” by things that are not of you, O God. Help me develop a
relationship with you through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Let my every
breath worship you and your love for me. I pray this in the name of Christ.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 13, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Ezekiel 37:26 — I will
make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with
them.
2 Corinthians 5:19 — In
Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses
against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
As kids, we made many peace
treaties with our enemies. It usually occurred at lunch, snack, or chore times.
We were not into making “blood covenants,” but we were pretty intense about the
ones we did make, promising to stick needles in our eyes and hoping to die if
we broke them. Most were “time sensitive” - ending at a specified time. We
never actually stuck needles in our eyes, and the only ones we hoped would die
were our enemies, but only until after the battle. God takes His covenants and
“peace treaties” with us far more seriously. Throughout recorded biblical
history, God has never broken a single covenant. On the other hand, God’s
people have seldom kept their covenants. Like the farmer who, during a drought,
promised to be faithful in worship and giving God a tithe if he had a good
crop. He had the good crop but forgot his promise and decided he was just
“lucky.” If we’re honest, we could all think of similar promises we’ve made in
moments of desperation. Our failures are often dismal. However, the One who
always keeps His promises has only one objective: to reconcile the world to
Himself. For God, it means a willingness to wipe the slate clean again and
again. What do you say and do when your debt is deleted from the files by one
Man’s death on a cross for you? What do you say and do when you kneel at the
foot of the cross, reminded of the covenants and treaties you have failed to
keep?
PRAYER
I fall before You,
Heavenly Father, admitting the many promises I have made to You and others that
I have forgotten or neglected and broken. Forgive me. Thank You for that
forgiveness and for taking Your promises to me seriously. Help me live up to
the ones made in my baptism and reaffirm them today. In the name of Christ, I
pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 14, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 6:13-14 — For
from the least to the greatest of them, everyone is greedy for unjust gain; and
from prophet to priest, everyone deals falsely. They have treated the wound of
my people carelessly, saying, “Peace, peace,” when there is no peace.
3 John 11 — Beloved, do
not imitate what is evil but imitate what is good. Whoever does good is from
God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We milked 45 to 50 cows every
morning and every evening. We didn’t officially weigh each cow’s milk, but it
didn’t take “rocket science” to figure out which cows were giving lots of milk
and which weren’t. All cows went through a “dry” period, but a few never really
left it and never gave enough to want to bother with - like the cows we hauled
to the sale barn to sell for making hamburger. It doesn’t take “rocket science”
to figure out that some activities in life are good and some are bad; some are
helpful, some are hurtful, some build up and some tear down, some are of God,
and some are evil. Unlike the unproductive cows we got rid of on the farm, many
people cling to bad habits, evil activities, and harmful or hurtful ways of
life. It is well for each of us to do some honest “soul searching” regularly to
determine if we need to do some “house cleaning.” We can do that on Sunday at
worship, but let’s not kid ourselves into thinking that we can see “the log in
our eye.” We may need to have the input of a mentor, friend, or spiritual
advisor who can be painfully honest with us. The only way we can “imitate what
is good” is by letting go of what is not of God. How strongly are you holding
on to your “dry holy cows”?
PRAYER
Help me, O God, to see
those activities and things that do not glorify you and are useless to your
kingdom. Send your servants into my life so that I can discern which things are
from you. Let me listen to them, even when I don’t want to hear what they and
you have to say to me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 15, 2024
SCRIPTURE
You shall be for me a
priestly kingdom and a holy nation. Exodus 19:6
Revelation 1:5-6 — To
Jesus Christ, who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us
to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and
dominion forever and ever.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
As a kid, I admired pastors
and imitated them in my private “cathedral” in the grain bin. I baptized a few
of my sister’s dolls, two curious dogs, and several not-so-appreciative cats. I
served Kool-Aid and cinnamon roll communion several times. I also married my
share of reluctant brides and grooms and preached a lot of sermons which
emptied the cathedral of everyone but me. While I enjoyed it, the idea of being
a “priest” is pretty frightening for many people. It conjures up images of
learning endless rituals and spending every hour of every day “going to church”
or even “playing church.” God’s words to Moses and the Israelites must have
made many of them very uncomfortable: You shall be a priestly kingdom and a
holy nation. However, when we remember that priests were mediators
between God and man, we expand the vision. In Jesus’ revelation to
John, He sees all believers as a kingdom of priests. We all have the incredible
privilege of going directly to the throne of grace. Not everyone has to lead
worship or other rituals, but everyone is expected to be a priest of the most
high God. Have you been living up to your calling as a priest?
PRAYER
What an incredible
position you have called me to Heavenly Father. Help me not to take my role as
priest lightly. Let me never forget to approach your throne daily and ask for
your grace and forgiveness. Use my position to bring blessings to others this
day. In the name of the great high priest, Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 8:4 — What are human
beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Mark 9:36-37 — Jesus took
a little child and put it among them, and taking it in his arms, he said to
them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The animals living on our
farm were not the most obedient creatures on the face of the earth. I was
convinced they made every effort in their limited power to be disobedient. No
matter what we told them, they seemed to do the opposite. No fence was sacred.
No holes were off-limits. And if they could make extra work for us, they found
great joy. They felt no guilt! It sounds like the way humans treat God, doesn’t
it? What are humans that God would want to dirty His hands with us?! But God
does! God loves us enough to forgive and give us the joys of His Friendship.
God loves us so much that He was willing to suffer and die for us. Like a
persistent farmer hoping the animals will one day get the message and change
their ways, God holds the hope that those He created in His image will return
to that image - God’s divine purpose. All heaven will rejoice over one of us
“staying in the fences” God has given us. Like the loving Father He is, God
will hold us in the hollow of His hand and cradle us in His arms, even as Jesus
did. How will you respond?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I am
sorry for my disobedience and wanting to do my own thing without any regard for
what you want. Please forgive me and change me. Thank you for your patience
with me and your ever-abiding love. Hold me tight in that love. In Christ’s
name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 25:5 — Turn now,
every one of you, from your evil way and wicked doings.
Matthew 6:12 — And forgive
us our debts.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Many farmers know the feeling
of being deep in debt. Between buying land and expensive machinery, they feel
like the poor miner in the song “16 Tons,” who sings: You load 16 tons, and
what do you get? Another day older and deeper in debt! St. Peter, don’t you
call me cause I can’t go. I owe my soul to the company store. I have
discovered that I, too, am deep in debt. I’m so deep in debt that I’ll never be
able to pay it off in my lifetime. Before you rush out to take up a collection
for me, it’s not a financial debt. No, my debt is to God. I owe God big time!
He paid for every one of my sins - of thoughts, words, deeds - sins of things I
have done and sins of things I have left undone. Woe is me, for I am undone!
And to make the debt even deeper and more incredible, He paid the entire debt
in full at the cross. How will I ever repay that debt!? That’s the whole point!
I can’t ever repay what I owe! No one can. How about you? What is your debt
load to God? All of our efforts to do so will fail. The only avenue of
repayment we have left to us is gratitude - a life of grateful living:
“thanking and praising, serving and obeying” God. How are you managing that
debt? The Debt Reduction Officer of Heaven, God Himself, is interested in you.
How much interest are you willing to give to Him?
PRAYER
Words can’t express my
gratitude to you, O God, for taking away my debt through the life and death of
Jesus. Let me never take it for granted that you have removed this great load
from me. Now, send me out to forgive the debt of others as I have been
forgiven. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 18, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Joel 2:26 — You shall eat
in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God.
2 Corinthians 9:10 — He
who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your
seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
My sister invited me to
lunch. She spent hours cleaning her house, fixing my favorite foods, and
setting an elegant table with a sunflower centerpiece and hardly-chipped china.
Everything looked great. I pretended to eat my favorite mud pie and drink the
questionable coffee. But when I went to leave, she had that “nearly-in-tears,
terribly hurt” look and said, “But you
didn’t eat anything! You didn’t clean your plate!” Needless to say, I was ever
so grateful when we heard Mom calling to tell us it was lunchtime. We both ran
for the house, mud pies and muddy “coffee” forgotten, in favor of real food and
Kool Aide. How good it is to know that the “feasts” of this world are mere
“mud” compared to the bountiful banquet prepared for us by God as He awaits our
“Homecoming.” However, we need to consider what it is that satisfies us. Are we
satisfied with what we create and harvest, or do we long for the pure spiritual
food created by God from His vast stores of righteousness? It is sometimes hard
to imagine anything better than the “mud pies” we have on our plate, but God,
our great Chef, has recipes we never dreamed of to nourish and sustain us, to
keep us healthy and right with Him. Who could ask for anything more?
PRAYER
As I sit today to eat,
whether lavishly or modestly, I thank you, Heavenly Father, for all you have
given me. I eagerly await the wonderful, fulfilling banquet to come when I eat
with you and all the saints face-to-face. Feed me your spiritual food today so
I might be satisfied and sustained in my soul. Come, Lord Jesus, be my guest.
Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 19, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 57:19 — Peace,
peace, to the far and the near, says the Lord; and I will heal them.
John 14:27 — Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do
not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We called a truce. Fighting
had been pretty intense. Casualties were heavy. Both sides had lost at least a
hundred men. I, myself, had been wound twenty times and had to dig a dozen or
more bullets out in my foxhole to keep fighting. Our supplies were running low.
It was hot and thirsty work, so the flag of truce was a welcome sight. I was
glad to see the enemy raise their flag first, and we were tempted to demand
surrender, but we were too hungry and thirsty to want to negotiate. We raised
our flag and agreed to a truce. All remaining casualties (two on each side)
were revived in time to wash up for lunch. Peace was good! It included a big
glass of ice water, fried chicken, and spice cake with brown sugar frosting.
After a meal like that, we weren’t in any mood to resume our war - at least
that afternoon. We opted for another jungle safari instead. Christ’s peace is
not just a cease-fire or a truce until next time and a chicken dinner. The
peace of Christ is a peace that eliminates every reason for war - even the war
of our sinful nature with God and with others. It is “a peace that passes human
understanding” and a banquet feast greater than we humans can imagine. Are you
ready to experience real peace? The banquet awaits!
PRAYER
I ask that you give me
only the peace you can provide, dear Lord. Thank you for making my relationship
with you whole by shedding your blood. I pray that you give me peace between my
sisters and brothers in Christ and make me that instrument. In the name of
Christ, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 20, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 57:9 — I will give
thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to you among the
nations.
Mark 16:9-10 — Now, after
he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary
Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went out and told those
who had been with him while they were mourning and weeping.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I have seen death “up close
and personal” in the faces of strangers when I worked in a funeral home. I have
also seen death in the faces of people I knew and loved. Having seen my father
so weak he could hardly move a muscle to help himself, it was comforting to see
his face at rest in a casket two weeks later. It was not a resurrection but a
tiny glimpse of the difference the resurrection would be all about. I had
witnessed the wonders of transformation many morticians can make in a corpse,
but it never meant as much to me as it did when I saw my own mother’s restful
repose, free of pain and worry. In my heart, I caught a glimpse of the Christ
in each of my parents’ being raised from the dead and given new and perfect
bodies. Mary Magdalene witnessed the resurrection “up close and personal” on
the first day of the week. Thanks be to God. We can all look forward to that
great and glorious day when we shall be reunited with our risen Lord and those
who are risen with him. A funeral is a sad time of letting go and burying the
dead. But it is also a time to rejoice and be reminded that “this is not our
eternal home.” There is a resurrection still to come! Halleluiah!
PRAYER
Make me not afraid of the
death of this body, dear Lord. Keep me ever mindful of my resurrection and your
promises. Thank you for always being near me and leading me toward my final
home with you. I pray that in all the years, days, and hours I have upon this
earth, I might use them to praise your name and to do your will. In the name of
my risen Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 21, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 25:1 — Lord, you
are my God; I will exalt you, I will praise your name; for you have done
wonderful things.
1 Peter 1:3 — Blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy, he has given
us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I’ve experienced several
“rebirths” over the years. My first occurred when I was baptized. Without my
knowledge or consent, Jesus transformed me from sinner to saint. From the
beginning, I kept trying to revert to my old self, but He has held on tight.
When I started school at age five, I was transformed from a carefree child into
a student with increasing responsibilities at school and home. When I was 13, I
decided to confirm my faith, the faith in which I was baptized, taking on the
promises made for me by my parents, and the transformations just kept
happening. With every new year, graduation, marriage, ordination, and spiritual
event, Christ has been helping me experience the new birth and anticipate the
resurrection still to come with a living hope. How marvelous are the gifts of
God! How fantastic are those still to be revealed? Have you prepared your heart
and soul to experience a new birth each new day you live? Your Lord would love
to help you enjoy it even before you experience it fully.
PRAYER
As I celebrate each
anniversary of my birth date and each and every day of the year, let me rejoice
and be glad that you have given me life and continual rebirth. Keep hold of me,
and never let me stray from your love. Help me grow in my closeness to you. In
the name of Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 22, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 9:7 — I will
refine and test my people.
John 9:2-3 — His disciples
asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born
blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born
blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I wondered why some animals
on the farm were born healthy and productive while others were born weak and
died. Some of it was genetics, but some of it - just was. There were no reasonable
explanations. I also wondered why some people got sick and died while others
didn’t. I blame some of it on sin. But not all ailments and diseases can be
traced to sin. Sin is often a “catch-all” for causes of sickness. It may be
accurate in some situations, but sometimes, we overlook the possibility that
God has a plan and a purpose we have not thought of. I do not believe that God
causes or inflicts suffering on people, but I do think that when we are
afflicted, God can and does use it to turn something terrible into something
good. Joseph discovered God turned his years in slavery in Egypt into a
blessing, which saved his whole family. Many people who are born with handicaps
or receive them because of an accident or an illness discover hidden strengths
they never knew they had. When I’m honest with myself, I have to admit it was
times when was weakest that I was driven to my knees and forced to call on the
Lord. Once I do that, amazing things begin to happen. Has God been “refining”
you? Instead of complaining, why not give thanks?
PRAYER
I admit that I do not have
all the answers to why there is suffering in this world, dear God. Help me to
accept that which I do not understand. Instead, let me grow in my weakness and
illnesses ever closer to you and do your will. Refine me and make me stronger.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 25:8 — The Lord
will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth.
Romans 11:32 — For God has
imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Roundup time at the OK Coral
was exciting for us as kids. As we got older and more involved, it became an
annual dirty job “someone had to do.” Fortunately, it was spread out over the
animal kingdom and seasons. We didn’t have to work with all the animals at
once. Instead, we’d gather the baby pigs for shots, tooth clipping, and
anything else needed. At another time, we’d gather all the baby calves to be vaccinated
and dehorned. We gathered all the animals of each type at one time to ensure
they were all cared for properly and that we would not miss any. The Bible
gives us a picture of God gathering people similarly. The disobedient would
undoubtedly like to escape or disappear in the crowd, but God ensures everyone
is accounted for. God’s mark of ownership is already on all people, but not all
are whole and healthy. So, like the cowboys on their quarter horses, God culls
the good from the bad. He offers His grace and love to all, but for those who
refuse, God allows them to cull themselves from His kingdom’s blessings. Are
you ready for the Roundup?
PRAYER
O God, thank you for the
grace you shower upon me daily. Help me never to take it lightly, but think of
you, worship, and serve you daily. Round me up in your love and ensure I am
never far from your thoughts. I pray this in the name of Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Jeremiah 32:17 — Ah, Lord
God! It is you who made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by
your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.
Mark 10:27 — Jesus said,
“For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are
possible.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I think I’m an incurable
optimist! I believe God created everything and has never stopped creating. I
believe God breathed the breath of life into the first man and woman and hasn’t
stopped breathing. I believe that Abraham and Sarah could not have a child, but
God made it possible for Ishmael and Isaac to be born. I believe that Moses
couldn’t perform miracles, soften Pharaoh’s heart, part the Red Sea, or bring
water from a rock or manna from the sky, but God could and did. I believe a
virgin can’t give birth, but God said “YES!” and did it! In fact, I’m so naive
that I even believe Jesus actually healed people, raised people from the dead,
walked on water, stilled storms and demons, and fed thousands with only a
little boy’s picnic lunch. I am such an incurable optimist that I believe that
the church which bears His name can do even greater things in His name if we
take the steps of faith to be His body in the world. Yes, indeed! Those things
are impossible for us to do (except with the magic of movies and television
special effects), but when has the impossible ever stopped God?!!! Are you
praying for a miracle? If not, why not, ‘Oh you of little faith?!”
PRAYER
O Lord, thank you for
breathing into me your breath of life and making me into a living being. I know
my life and each breath I take is truly a miracle. Help me to believe that
nothing is impossible for you and that you can continue to create miracles. Give
me greater faith to trust in you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Thursday, April 25, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 55:1 — Ho, everyone
who thirsts, come to the waters!
Revelation 21:5-6 — And
the one who was seated on the throne said, “to the thirsty, I will give water
as a gift from the spring of the water of life.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
I don’t always know when I’m
thirsty. I have to force myself to drink. We were in Israel several years ago
in August, in sweltering heat. Our guide had to remind us often to drink. “If
you don’t have to go to the bathroom every time the bus stops, you aren’t
drinking enough!” she declared. So, thirsty or not, we drank. Water is life and
death to those in the desert. Without it, all of our body systems come to a
halt. But there is another “water of life” that gives True Life. As I am
usually not thirsty for physical water, we are not always thirsty for this
spiritual water. It is a God-given thirst for more than food and drink. It is a
thirst for the One who satisfies that longing for the grace of God. Like one
standing at the open refrigerator door looking in to find something but not
knowing what, we stand at the door to the kingdom, longing for something to
satisfy us. My prayer for my family and friends is that we will all experience
a thirst for the water of life, which we can find quenched in our
Lord Jesus Christ. Are you thirsty yet?
PRAYER
I am thirsty for the water
that you supply abundantly, Heavenly Father. Quench my thirst and soothe my
body and soul. Remind me of when I have neglected to come to your living water
and to come to you so that I might become saturated in your love. In the name
of the living water, Jesus Christ. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Friday, April 26, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 33:14 — The Lord
said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Mark 2:14 — Jesus said to
Levi, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
There was something
comforting about being in the presence of Mom and Dad or my grandparents. All I
needed was to be in the same room with them, and everything was OK. Thunder and
lightning held no terror for me, even if it made me jump with surprise. Ghosts,
goblins, and “things that go bump in the night” were nothing to worry about
either, as long as one of them was in the room. I could sit with Grandma and
rock with her through the worst storms. I was safe and secure! It was a lesson
I tried to pass on to our children when we sat on the porch swing, huddled in
sleeping bags, watching passing storms. Perhaps the whispered prayers I heard
as a child reminded me that Someone even greater than Mom or Dad, Grandpa or
Grandma was in the room standing guard and assuring us that we were not alone.
As I grew older, I discovered it was not just a child’s imagination. Jesus, who
invited me to follow Him, also promised never to leave me. God is where I need
Him, and I can rest and play in Him. In His arms, I can safely snuggle! Are you
ready to follow Him? His promise is His sure and certain presence so that you
will never be alone!
PRAYER
It is wonderful to feel
your presence and loving arms wrapped around me, dear Lord! Let me never doubt
that you are always near and your promises are true. Lead me this day and each
day as I trust in you to guide me. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Saturday, April 27, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 11:2 — The spirit
of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the
spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
Mark 1:9-11 — Jesus was
baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water,
he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And
a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well
pleased.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
When my sister was nine, and
I was ten, we sang a duet for a 4-H talent contest. Afterward, I overheard my
mother talking to a stranger and pointing with pride to her son and daughter.
Our parent’s pride in each of their children was expressed freely. After I was
ordained, my father introduced me to someone as, “This is my son. He’s a
pastor!” Even in the last year of her life, when my mother introduced me to one
of her nurses, she proudly added, “he’s a pastor!” As I write, I smile but
realize I do the same thing with my children. “This is Dane. He’s a maintenance
supervisor and video instructor.” “This is Dan. He works for Microsoft.” I admit, I’m proud of them. So sue me! I
know, but only dimly, how proud God was of Jesus. It makes the heart swell with
pride. Have you considered that God has that same pride because of you?! In
baptism, God adopted you as His precious child. In the same way that my
children have not always been perfect and have not always walked the walk I
would have chosen for them, all of God’s children can be thankful that God is
“slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love”; and that God still claims us
and proudly declares us His “beloved”! Knowing how proud God is of us, let us
do our best to live a life whose purpose is to please God.
PRAYER
I am humbled, Heavenly
Father when I am reminded of how proud You are of me and to claim me as Your
own. Thank You for adopting me through my baptism. It is comforting to know
that You will always love me. Help me to live with others so that You are never
ashamed of me. In the name of Christ, I call You my Father. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Sunday, April 28, 2024
SCRIPTURE
2 Chronicles 30:8 — Do not
now be stiff-necked, but yield yourselves to the Lord and come to his
sanctuary.
Acts 19:11 — God did
extraordinary miracles through Paul.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
We had some “stiff-necked”
chickens who were bound and determined to roost in the trees instead of the
safety of their shed. If we couldn’t find, catch, and put them in the shed,
we’d usually find only their feathers and bones the next day. We had some
“stiff-necked” cows who insisted on crawling through barbed wire fences to get
better grass, cutting their udders. We also had some “stiff-necked” dogs under
the fatal delusion that they could catch the tires of passing trucks. I’ve also
known a few “stiff-necked” Christians who insist that the way we’ve always
done it is the only way to do it. Working with people who can bend a little
and “think outside of the box” is a thrill. Grounded in the Word and supported
by their faith in Christ, they can consider possibilities not yet explored. One
gracious saint recently declared, “I don’t particularly like some of these
changes, but if they encourage some younger people to come to the Lord, I’m
willing to live with them.” Paul, “thinking “outside of the box,” allowed God
to use him to perform extraordinary miracles. Perhaps God is waiting for all of
us to bend a little so that He can do the same through us! Grounded in the Word
and firm in our faith, we have nothing to lose but everything to gain. Thanks
be to God!
PRAYER
I ask for Your
forgiveness, O God, when I think of others as the ones who are “stiff-necked”
and forget that many times it is I who fails to bend. I thank You for Your
grace and love. Mold me and shape me with Your love and understanding. I pray
this in the name of my Savior. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Monday, April 29, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 40:15 — Even the
nations are like a drop from a bucket and are accounted as dust on the scales.
Ephesians 3:19 — Know the
love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the
fullness of God.
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
Sometimes, we major in minors
and forget to keep the main thing the main thing. I know I have. When I went
fishing with my uncle at age seven, I lost interest in the bobber and followed
the trail of a four-legged creature I never found. The tiny sunfish would have escaped
if my uncle had not been nearby. At the beginning of my senior year in college,
I worked two jobs while trying to keep my grades up. At times, one or the other
jobs took longer than I could afford to take from my studies. One of my bosses saw
the problem before I did. He reminded me what my “main thing” was and let me
reduce my hours. The church makes the same mistake when we forget our divine
purpose as the “body of Christ.” We can become so busy with programs that we
forget people. We can become more concerned about following the rules of
tradition or following the likes and dislikes of society. At the same time, we
forget our mission and the importance of discovering the best way to carry it
out. When we listen to the Word and hear the Voice of the Lord, we are called
back to the major things, and we encourage one another to remember the “Main
Thing!” Isaiah knew that great nations were not the main thing - they were mere
dust. St. Paul knew the only “Main Thing” that matters is the love of Christ.
What is the “main thing” in your life?
PRAYER
Call me back, dear God, to
what should be the “main thing” in my life - which is You. I pray that I might
not get so busy today that I miss out on the opportunities You give me to love
You and others. Help me focus on loving Your children, especially those with
whom I am having difficulties. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
SCRIPTURE
Deuteronomy 23:5 — The
Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you because the Lord your
God loved you.
Mark 5:34 — Jesus said to
her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace and be healed of your
disease.”
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
The blizzard of 1950, when I
had to stay overnight in school, could have been a curse, but I saw it as a blessing
because we got to use colored chalk on the blackboard. We had a feast when a
farmer brought us food, and I got to stay with my grandparents the next day.
The accident in which a large truck sideswiped us while my son was driving,
sending our car into a 360-degree spin on a busy highway before ending in a
ditch 50 feet away from a steep mountain drop-off, could have been a fatal
disaster, but thanks be to God, we walked away with minor injuries. The curse
was that it totaled our car at a time when we could not afford to buy a new
one, but the blessings flowed in abundance as it drew us closer to our son, and
we found friends who came to help in our time of need. Every bad thing that
happens in our lives can be seen as a curse, but it can also be a source of
great blessing. Joseph declared God turned the curse of being sold by his
brothers into slavery into the blessing of being able to save his family from
famine. Moses said that God turned the curse Balaam spoke against God’s
children into a blessing. Jesus turns a woman’s constant bleeding into the
blessing of wholeness. In the same way, Jesus waits for us to turn our “curses”
over to Him so that He can turn them into blessings. Would you rather hold on
to them, or are you ready to give them up to Jesus so that He can fill you with
joy once again?
PRAYER
There are many times when
I only see the things happening to me as a curse, Heavenly Father. Open my eyes
to see that you are still active and at work in me and my world during those
times. I give all of these negative things to You and pray that You will make
them into blessings. In your Son’s name, I pray. Amen.
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